Tomorrow should be the ribbon cutting of the new Cal Park Tunnel, a dedicated bike path linking San Rafael to Larkspur Landing (Marin County CA). By refurbishing an old, unused train tunnel and building entry and exit lanes, bikers and walkers can significantly reduce danger and save some time by boring through the hill instead of having to travel very busy auto roadways. This video on YouTube is the only one I have seen and taken before the tunnel is officially open.. interesting to note at about the 40 second mark, the bike of choice this time around is a Dahon ..:thumb:

Kind reminds me of riding underneath the West Side highway.....from around 60th to 70th street.............27 million spent....doesn't look all that impressive but we'll take it....julesray

fietsbob

12-09-10 05:47 PM

27 Mill, that's Chump Change as Highway projects go.

Nicely done Cal DOT.

BruceMetras

12-09-10 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fietsbob
(Post 11910815)

27 Mill, that's Chump Change as Highway projects go.

Nicely done Cal DOT.

And, it is very nicely done.. I took my Moulton (with fenders) over the wet roads the long way up and over and around from both sides today, right up to the gated tunnel proper.. no telling how many people will show tomorrow, but it is an important step for SF Bay area cyclists.. there is a more involved project a little further south, the Alto Hill Tunnel .. I hope to see it completed before I die :lol:

Foldable Two

12-09-10 06:12 PM

Nice dedicated bike path! Sure beats attempting to "share" the road with rush-hour traffic. Using that old tunnel likely saved a lot of $ and altitude gain, too.

Today, we used the nearby dedicated bike path from the marina area up to the Pacific View Mall - It just as easy as, and more fun than, driving.

Dave1899

12-09-10 06:23 PM

That is awesome!!! Two thumbs up for Cal DOT :thumb::thumb:

lexm

12-09-10 06:30 PM

I want to ride on it! The only tunnel we get on the lakefront path is a short one under the entry drive to the Adler Planetarium. The Cal Park Tunnel looks much cooler.

BruceMetras

12-09-10 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lexm
(Post 11911009)

I want to ride on it!

So it is written, so it shall come to pass. :commute:

BruceMetras

12-09-10 07:12 PM

If any SF Bay area cyclist wants to join in the celebration tomorrow, more info can be found HERE!

Anyone go to the ribbon-cutting ceremony or ride the route? Ride report!

I rode over for the ceremony! Big event for Marin transportation with lots of people to thank for all the hard work it took to complete the project .. Dark gray skies overhead but the rain held off (had been lightly raining most of the morning).. I'm sure someone did a tally, but I'd say there were hundreds of cyclists and walkers for the initial ride/walk through the tunnel... quite the array of bikes for sure.

It looks to be the same width as Chicago's lakefront path. I see also that, like in Chicago, you have pedestrians oblivious to all traffic who like to walk three or more abreast and block the entire path. Ah, the comforts of home... :bang:

lexm

12-10-10 08:37 PM

All kidding aside, that's one fine looking path. I look forward to riding it with Messrs Metras and Crunch a mere 27 days from now. :speedy: